I used to think the reason I loved to work in coffee shops was the high quality espresso. But after I started working from home more, I noticed it wasn't the espresso I missing though, it was the murmur of a coffee shop environment. The quiet noise of life buzzing and banging and beeping around me. Turns out, I'm not alone.

3. Rainy Mood: A website that plays a "storm of the day" for people who like the sound of weather? Yes, please! There's an app for iPhone and Android too, for rain simulation on-the-go.

4. RainyCafe: Want to mix the calm natural sound of rain with the pleasurable buzz of a coffee shop? Then RainyCafe is the perfect mix. Playing them together is surprisingly effective at putting me in a work-friendly zone.

5. Live 365 Radio: This online radio service provides hundreds of "ambient" themed radio stations with a mix of music, noise and sounds, 24/7. Most of this style of music won't interfere with thought, but provides a pleasant background noise. And it's all free.

There's a caveat to all this creative noise though. Like overdoing it on the coffee, researchers report any noise over 85 decibels stifles focus to the point of reducing creative output. So keep those volume dials turned down before getting to work.